Fans react during a watch party for the World Cup Round of 32 soccer match between the United States and Bosnia in Carson, Calif. on July 1, 2026.

In 1994, the last men’s World Cup the U.S. hosted sparked soccer fever, from youth leagues to TV broadcasts to the formation of MLS. Now, can MLS harness this World Cup for a new generation of fans?

(Image credit: Ethan Swope)